DescriptionThe Alternative License is for applicants who have not gone through a state approved teacher program or are already licensed in another state (reciprocity).License Valid for 5 yearsEmployment: Not Required

Minimum Academic BackgroundIn most states, teachers must have a minimum academic background for certification. The following is required for this route:BA Degree + 30 Hours

Prior Certification: Must NOT have Current (STATE) Certification

Basic SkillsIn most states, teachers must verify basic skills in English (Reading and Writing) and Mathematics through coursework, exams, or degree evaluations.
The following is required for this route:

Teacher PreparationIn most states, teachers are required to complete training in education methods through a teacher program.
The following is required for this route:

Student TeachingCourse needed: Complete 12-21 semester hours in a PED approved alternative program including 3 semester hours
of credit in the teaching of reading and a student teaching or field-based component.Enrolled in a PED-approved alternative licensure program OR present a portfolio (as described in Section 8)

Content Language and English Language ProficiencyIn most states, teachers are required to submit evidence of content language proficiency and English language proficiency through coursework, exams, or degree evaluations.
The following is required for this route:

Course needed: Applicants may also provide evidence of 24-36 semester hours of credit in modern, classical & native language OR be certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in modern, classical & native language.

Additional Requirements for this route include the following:

Reading:

Course needed: 3-6 semester hours in the teaching of reading

Notes:Native American Language & Culture:
Applicants shall meet the requirements established by each NM Native American tribe or pueblo AND provide evidence of their approval to teach the language and culture.

This certificate is limited to teaching native language and culture only.

Applying to the State
In most states, teachers must apply to the state Individually or through their local School District, or Teacher Program Institution. Requirements for the application are outlined below:

Renewal: Renewable
Renewals are valid only for Level 2 and Level 3 licenses.

Upon completing 5 years of teaching and completing the Professional Development Dossier (http://www.teachnm.org/) will the level 1 candidate be able to advance to alternative level 2 and level 3 licensure.

Specific conditions allow for renewal of the Level 1 license, including that the candidate has not taught all 5 years of the license. See http://www.ped.state.nm.us/Licensure/2010/apps/Continuing%20Renewal%20062

Application processing times:
May to September 8-12 weeks
October to April 1-4 weeks Fingerprint Card Processing for background check fee is $75.

Only out of state applicants may request a fingerprint packet by emailing: ethics@state.nm.us Renewals are valid only for Level 2 and Level 3 licenses.

Upon completing 5 years of teaching and completing the Professional Development Dossier (http://www.teachnm.org/) will the level 1 candidate be able to advance to alternative level 2 and level 3 licensure.

Specific conditions allow for renewal of the Level 1 license, including that the candidate has not taught all 5 years of the license. See http://www.ped.state.nm.us/Licensure/2010/apps/Continuing%20Renewal%20062

GENERAL NOTES FOR THIS ROUTETo be granted an alternative license the applicant must possess a bachelor’s degree including 30 semester hours in a particular field OR a master’s degree including 12 graduate semester hours in a particular field OR a doctorate degree in a particular field; pass the New Mexico Teacher Assessments (NMTA) for Basic Skills and Teacher Competency; pass the appropriate Content Knowledge Assessments (CKA), AND complete an approved alternative program through an accredited New Mexico college or university OR complete Online Portfolio Alternative Licensure (OPAL).

If the applicant has at least 5 years of post-secondary teaching experience, completing all requirements will give them a level 2 teaching license OR 6+ years of post-secondary teaching experience will give them a level 3-A teaching license.

Additional information for online portfolio may be found at http://teachnm.org/new-teachers/online-portfolio-for-alternative-licensure.html